Teens in Motion Grant

TEENS IN MOTION GRANT

Gilmore Academy Year One $5,000

JUMP UP AND GO HEALTHY CHOICES

funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield

HIGHLIGHTS

Afterschool Peer Program

This year the Gilmore Academy Peer Leadership program will be adding a new nutrition and fitness component to their existing peer leadership program. Newly selected peers and their peer advisors, Mrs. Maria Lobo-Andrade and Ms. Lauren Bolger will attended an all day team building workshop on October 27, 2006 provided by the Brockton Public Schools Health Education Department along with the Plymouth County Extension 4-H leadership specialist. The morning session of the peer training will focus on team building activities, organizational skills, and public speaking skills. The after lunch session will be provided by Andrea Gulezian and her staff from UMass Extension Family Nutrition Program. Students will be updated students on the new MyPyramid and help them determine their individual nutrition needs using the new guide. All peers will be able to make a beaded bracelet and or key chain to illustrate the correct number of servings that they would individually need for a balanced diet. To conclude the day, peers will discuss the 5-2-1 (5 fruits and vegetables a day, no more than 2 hours of screen time and 1 hour of activity) message that they will be working on throughout the year and eventually sharing with all the students at the Gilmore Academy.

School Wide Initiative

The Peer Leaders at Gilmore Academy will be planning, organizing and implementing school wide events throughout the year.

In January, 2007, they will participate in a statewide Reduce Your Screen Time campaign called Jump Up & Go! 2sDays.On the second Tuesday of each month, students will pledge to limit their screen time (TV, video games and recreational computer time) to 2 hours or less. The 5 -2 - 1 message will be the main focus for all events.

Planet Health Teaching staff at the Gilmore Academy will be trained in the fall on using the Planet Health Curriculum. Planet Health lessons incorporate nutrition and fitness ideas into regular subject classes.

School Policy

The Gilmore Academy has committed to working with the student council on adopting a healthy snack fundraising policy for this upcoming school year and also creating a healthy after school store. Staff from UMass Extension Family Nutrition Program will be assisting with this component of the grant.